LIFE OF WILSON. 
XXXI 
breathing an unwholesome air from morning to night, shut out 
from Nature’s fairest scenes and the pure air of heaven. When 
necessity demands such a seclusion, it is noble to obey ; but when 
we are left to choice, who would bury themselves alive ? It is only 
in winter that I would recommend the loom to both of you. In 
the month of March next I shall, if well, be able to command two 
hundred dollars cash once more. Nothing stands between me and 
this but health, and that I hope will continue at least till then. You 
may then direct as to the disposal of this money — I shall freely and 
cheerfully yield the whole to your management. Another quarter 
will enable me to settle John M.’s account, about the time it will 
be due ; and, instead of wandering in search of employment five 
or six hundred miles for a few dollars, I would beg of you both to 
unite in putting the place and house in as good order as possible. 
But Alexander can get nothing but wheat and butter for this hag- 
ging and slashing! Never mind, my dear namesake, put up awhile 
with the rough fare and rough clothing of the country. Let us 
only get the place in good order and you shall be no loser by it. 
Next summer I will assuredly come up rdong with your father and 
George, if he comes as I expect he will, and every thing shall 
flourish, 
“ My dear frieud and nephew, I wish you could find a leisure 
hour in the evening to give the children, particularly Mary, some 
instruction in reading, and Alexander in writing and accounts. 
Don’t be discouraged though they make but slow progress in both, 
but persevere a little every evening. I think you can hardly em- 
ploy an hour at night to better purpose. And make James lead 
evei'y convenient opportunity. If I live to come up beside you, I 
shall take that burden off your shoulders. Be the constant friend 
and counsellor of your little colony, to assist them in their diffi- 
culties, encourage them in their despondencies, to make them as 
happy as circumstances will enable you. A mother, brothers and 
sisters, in a foreign country, looking up to you as their best friend 
